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Tesla Launches Austin Robotaxi Fleet With Human Safety Monitors

Invited users will hail Model Y robotaxis within a geofenced zone from 6 am to midnight under the watch of a front-seat safety monitor.

Demonstrators protest against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, outside a Tesla service center and gallery in Austin, Texas, U.S., June 21, 2025.    REUTERS/Joel Angel Juarez
Demonstrators protest against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, outside a Tesla service center and gallery in Austin, Texas, U.S., June 21, 2025. REUTERS/Joel Angel Juarez
Tesla vehicles are parked outside a Tesla service center and gallery in Austin, Texas, U.S., June 21, 2025. REUTERS/Joel Angel Juarez

Overview

  • Tomorrow’s launch employs a shortlist of 10–20 Model Y robotaxis accompanied by a front-seat safety monitor.
  • The service will run exclusively for invited early-access riders within a geofenced area excluding airports from 6 am to midnight.
  • Tesla delayed the debut from June 12 to June 22 and has been spotted testing driverless Model Ys on Austin streets in recent weeks.
  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology has logged 3.6 billion miles but faces widespread public skepticism over its safety.
  • The rollout pits Tesla against established operators like Waymo and represents a pivotal step toward a service that Wedbush estimates could add $1 trillion to its valuation.